Harry Hobbs founded boat hire service Hobbs & Sons (now a fifth generation family business as Hobbs of Henley) back in 1870, but if he’d been alive today I can say for certain I’d want to hang out with him! The flamboyant character spent his days throwing river parties along the banks of the Thames, sipping tipples as early as 11am and it was also rumoured that he distilled his own gin, which is what inspired the launch of Mr Hobbs Gin in 2017.

This year, to celebrate 150 years of being in business, Mr Hobbs Gin is introducing a brand new tipple in September – Mr Hobbs 150 (40%ABV). A classic London Dry, the gin is distilled with 14 botanicals including warm black pepper and cardamom, perfumed cubeb berries, citrus yuzu and lime, plus meadowsweet and elderflower that are both locally sourced from the Thames riverbank. I’ve already tried it out, and can vouch for the recommended complement of premium light tonic water and a wedge of lime and ginger (try two glasses, just to be sure!).

Can’t wait until the launch? Mr Hobbs Gin has three other tipples available now, also distilled from traditional and local botanicals – the original Mr Hobbs (45%ABV), plus two fruit flavoured gin liqueurs (Raspberry & Elderflower and Rhubarb & Ginger), perfect for pairing with something sparkling.

Each gin also comes in recyclable packaging and glass bottles (or pop a long stem candle in a couple of the pretty empties and you have a dinner party centrepiece), plus if you’re out and about in Henley you can use the brand’s nifty refill service at the boatyard to save £5 and up your sustainability creds.